Yili Prefecture is the largest cotton producing area in Xinjiang, located in the northwest of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the western section of Tianshan Mountain. The climate is humid, with an average annual precipitation of more than 400 mm, which is suitable for cotton growth. The cotton in this area is famous for its white color, flexible fiber, good quality and stable output.

Xinjiang cotton is famous all over the country for its excellent quality, and it is one of the highest quality cotton in China. Xinjiang has high cotton yield and good quality, and the main producing areas are Yili, Aksu and Changji.